Black Arts MKE Announces 10th Anniversary Production of Black Nativity, Directed by Local Theater Legend Sheri Williams Pannell
Black Arts MKE’s production celebrates a decade of joyful African American artistry and faith that compels audiences to sing, dance, and clap along to the Good News.
December 11-14, 2025 at Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, Marcus Center
MILWAUKEE – Now in its 10th year, Black Arts MKE presents its annual production of Black Nativity, December 11–14, 2025, in the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. A cornerstone of Milwaukee’s holiday season, Black Nativity retells the Christmas story through scripture, poetry, dance, and song from the African American perspective. Each year, the production is reimagined anew while maintaining its core spirit of faith, family, and joy.
This anniversary season marks a new chapter under the direction of Sheri Williams Pannell, one of Milwaukee’s most respected theater artists, educators, and cultural leaders. Pannell’s vision deepens the production’s connection to Langston Hughes’ text while incorporating African American holiday traditions that honor legacy, community, and renewal.
“My goal is to honor Hughes’ loving depiction of faith, hope, and joy in the birth of the Christ Child with an infusion of African American traditions,” said Pannell. “You can expect glimpses of Kwanzaa as well as Watch Night, which many in the Black community celebrate on New Year’s Eve.”
Rehearsals begin November 11, and members of the media are invited to attend rehearsals by RSVP.
This season also includes a meaningful collaboration with members of the Divine Nine, whose local chapters have donated authentic African garments and textiles that will inspire and shape the costume design. The contributions will be celebrated publicly during Divine Nine Night on Opening Night, Friday, December 12.
Returning music director Antoine Reynolds Sr. leads the musical arrangements, while Milwaukee-born choreographer Davien Holton brings his national spotlight experience back home. Holton, a North Side native and Milwaukee High School of the Arts alum, recently performed in the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show with Usher.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director: Sheri Williams Pannell
Music Director: Antoine Reynolds Sr.
Stage Manager: Melissa Wanke*
Lighting Designer: Colin Gawronski
Scenic Designer: Ron Scot Fry
Costume Designer: Amy Horst*
Choreographer: Davien Holton
Props Coordinator: Malaina Moore
(Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States)
CAST
Returning: Brian Crawford, Cynthia Cobb*, D’Shaunta Stewart, Selena McKnight, Zoe Chambers
Introducing: Alyna Williams, Ashley Nash, Derrick Sanders, Earnie Bell, Ja’Kira Austin, Marvin Hannah, Najee Robinson, Ryan Smith
Performance Schedule
Each show features a post-show talkback and a full runtime of two hours.
• Thursday, December 11, 2025, 7:30 p.m. (Student Matinee 11:00 a.m.)
• Friday, December 12, 2025, 7:30 p.m. (Student Matinee 11:00 a.m.)
• Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 14, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
blackartsmke.com/blacknativity
$62 | Reserved Seating
Group, Student, and Artist rates available.
Tickets available at the Marcus Center Box Office, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI, or by calling 414-273-7206.
Groups of 10 or more should contact Group Sales at 414-273-7121 x210.
Special discount rates are available for students and artists.
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